The Patterns of Purchasing Diet/Low-Calorie Food and Obesity Related Eating Behavior in Normal and Obese Female College Students in Seoul Area

비만에 따른 여대생의 체중 관련 식행동과 다이어트 식품 구매 형태

In this study, 230 female college students in Seoul area were surveyed to evaluate their eating habits and behavior, physical activities, and patterns of purchasing diet/low-calorie food. Their body composition was also determined using bioelectrical impedance(Inbody 520). The subjects were divided into two groups according to their BMI index with a mean BMI of 20.2$\pm$1.5(normal) weight and 25.0$\pm$1.7(obesity). Overall, 85.7% of the subjects reported that the food they purchase depends more on their preferences than the nutritional value of the food. When the two groups were compared there was no significant difference in the frequency or experience of purchasing diet-foods. Indeed, 69.3% of all female college students had purchased diet foods, and most consumed these foods 2~3 times a week. Obese group preferred a savory taste, while normal group preferred a sweet taste. The majority of the subjects(80.8%) answered that they "read nutritional labels carefully upon purchasing diet food", and that they examined calories(61.8%) and total fat(48.5%) most carefully. Of the types of low-calorie/diet foods purchased, beverages were the most commonly obtained; followed by noodles, diet-bars, and snacks. The most commonly purchased low calorie snacks were "potato-type C(hot-flavor)" and "potato-type A(salty-flavor)", while the most commonly purchased diet-bars were "low calorie-type A"(55.3%) and "high protein-bar"(32.3%). The most commonly purchased noodles were "thick noodle type"(65.1%), while the most commonly purchased drinks were "cereal tea"(65.1%) and "mixed herb tea"(66.0%). Overall, factors such as self-esteem or the degree of body satisfaction, rather than obesity(BMI index) itself, were significantly correlated with the frequency of purchasing diet-foods.